Toho Tenax, the core company of the Teijin Group’s carbon fibres and composites business, has developed a new technology, Part via Preform (PvP), for highly efficient production of thermoset carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

 The technology is based on a one-step bobbin to preform concept, utilising Tenax N. Binder Yarn, which combines carbon fibres with a binder resin.

The yarn can be processed by random fibre placement for isotropic behaviour, and by aligned fibre placement in those areas, where higher mechanical performance is required. Both technologies – random and aligned fibre placement – can be combined to meet specific mechanical and/or cost needs.

 Automated manufacturing

The product is said to enable automated manufacturing to any desired geometry or form for load-conforming and weight-optimised preforms.

Expensive intermediate steps are not necessary, the company reports. Also, the technology is said to help to considerably reduce both carbon-fibre waste and manual labour compared to conventional preform production.

According to Tenax, the result is an automated, cost-effective solution for optimised manufacturing of CFRP components, with particularly attractive applications in the automotive industry.

Mass production

Resin transfer moulding (RTM) is one of the favored processes used in manufacturing of CFRP for automotive applications.

Toho Tenax has demonstrated the use of Tenax PvP technology in advanced high and low pressure RTM processes for typical both structural and visual automotive parts. Toho Tenax is now working with automakers worldwide to develop commercial applications for the new technology.

Teijin also offers Sereebo, the mass-production technology for thermoplastic CFRP, designed to raise production efficiency by significantly reducing moulding time. Taking advantage of the characteristics of PvP and Sereebo, the Teijin Group aims to provide innovative solutions combining thermoset and thermoplastic CFRP solutions to respond to demands for increased efficiency and mass production.

Teijin Group

Teijin is a technology-driven group offering advanced solutions in the areas of sustainable transportation, information and electronics, safety and protection, environment and energy, and healthcare.

Its main fields of operation are high-performance fibres such as aramid, carbon fibres and composites, healthcare, films, resin and plastic processing, polyester fibres, products converting and IT. The group has some 150 companies and around 16,000 employees spread out over 20 countries worldwide.

www.teijin.com